The Jewish community came out in record breaking numbers for the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse as they held their 161^st Annual Meeting and Gala presented by the Wladis Family. More than 250 community members gathered at the Historical Palladian Hall on Sunday, June 2^nd in support of the JCC and to honor those who have been longtime supporters of the JCC and the greater Jewish community in Syracuse.

“Palladian Hall is absolutely breathtaking,” says JCC Executive Director, Marci Erlebacher. “The room looked beautiful, and we have received nothing but positive feedback on this new venue. We will definitely be back in the future!”

The day began in the upper mezzanine overlooking the main ballroom. Guests were offered the opportunity to mingle with one another while enjoying an assortment of appetizers and cocktails. Brunch was later served on the main floor of Palladian Hall by none other than Essen New York Deli of Brooklyn. Yitzy and his team served up an amazing spread to everyone in attendance offering everything one could think of in a true New York City Deli Experience.

Upon the conclusion of brunch, the business portion of the meeting began. The JCC recognized all outgoing committee members, new officers to the board were sworn in, and six community members – Kathleen Davis, Cantor Esa & Chaim Jaffe, Ellen & Howard Weinstein and Leah Goldberg – were honored for their service, dedication and contributions to the JCC. The JCC continued the tradition of a video highlighting this years’ honorees. This years’ video presentation was directed by Stephen Long of Upstate Down Video Productions.

Kathleen Davis received this year’s Kovod award. Which signifies honor and importance and is given to a community member who has taken an active and outstanding role in events and programs. Kathleen has been an avid volunteer and supporter at the JCC since joining the Board in 2017. She has devoted much of her time these past few years serving on various committees within the organization and developed strong bonds within the community.

Cantor Esa & Chaim Jaffe received the Kovod Gadol award, which means great honor, and is given to community members who demonstrate extraordinary commitment, energy and loyalty to the JCC and the greater community. Cantor Esa & Chaim have been longtime and active supporters of the greater Jewish community. Both have played pivotal roles within the JCC, and greater Jewish community being involved with many different organizations as well as Temple Adath. They have both demonstrated a tremendous amount of leadership and support over the years.

Ellen & Howard Weinstein received this year’s Hall of Fame award, which is given to individuals who have dedicated themselves to the Syracuse Jewish community and to the advancement of the JCC. Ellen & Howard have been an integral part of the Jewish community in Syracuse since they moved here in 1978. They are both active within many organizations, both Jewish and non-Jewish. They have a passion for being involved in all aspects of Judaism and have devoted their time to the entire Jewish community in Syracuse.

Leah Goldberg received the final award of the afternoon, the Leslie award. The Leslie award recognizes a younger up-and-coming professional within the local Jewish community for their outstanding commitment and service to the JCC and the local community, qualities which the award’s namesake, Leslie London Neulander, personified through her many volunteer pursuits. Leah serves on many different committees planning various events and activities for the entire community.  She has a passion and dedication to the Jewish community that is unparalleled, and we are looking forward to many more great things in the future.

“The JCC’s Annual Meeting & Gala is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year,” says JCC Executive Director, Marci Erlebacher. “Without this event and without the generosity of our community we would not be able to award as many scholarships as we do each year. We thank you tremendously for your support!”